A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
3.2
Running Costs
4.2
Practicality
4.5
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a reliable commercial vehicle that won’t let you down? The Nissan Cabstar might be exactly what your business needs. This versatile light commercial truck has been a trusted workhorse for businesses across the UK for decades. It’s designed for those who need dependable load carrying capability without the bulk or expense of a larger truck.
From the first glance, the Cabstar means business with its robust, no nonsense design. Unlike passenger car derived vans, the Cabstar is built on a proper truck chassis, giving it genuine commercial vehicle credentials. The high driving position provides excellent visibility, while the separate load bay keeps cargo completely separate from the driver compartment. This makes it particularly popular with construction firms, delivery companies, and tradespeople who need to carry messy or bulky loads.
What sets the Cabstar apart is its durability and load carrying ability. The proven diesel engines are designed for high mileage commercial use, while the robust chassis can handle heavy loads day after day. It’s the vehicle for businesses that prioritise reliability and running costs over luxury features. While newer alternatives like the Isuzu D-Max exist, the Cabstar offers proven dependability at competitive running costs, especially in the used market where excellent value can be found.
How Does the Nissan Cabstar Drive?
The Nissan Cabstar is designed for commercial durability rather than spirited driving. The range centres around proven diesel engines, with the 2.5 litre turbodiesel being the most popular choice. Available in 120PS and 140PS variants, these engines provide adequate power for laden operation while prioritising fuel economy and longevity. The 3.0 litre diesel offers more grunt for the longest wheelbase models when maximum payload capacity is required.
Where the Cabstar excels is in its commercial vehicle manners. The steering is direct and confidence inspiring, even when fully loaded. The suspension is tuned for payload carrying rather than ride comfort, so expect a firm ride when unladen. However, this pays dividends when the light commercial vehicle is working hard with heavy loads. The manual gearbox is robust and well suited to commercial use, with gear ratios optimised for load hauling rather than performance. This makes it an ideal working vehicle that inspires confidence in demanding commercial applications.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.5L 4-cylinder Turbodiesel / 3.0L 4-cylinder Turbodiesel
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Power Output
120 - 140 bhp
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0-60 mph
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MPG Combined
28 - 32 mpg
- Boot Space
- 1,300 - 1,500 kg
- Safety Rating
- (Euro NCAP)
- Dropside, Chassis Cab, Box Van
Inside the Nissan Cabstar: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Cabstar and you’ll find a functional, hard wearing cabin designed for commercial use. The dashboard is simple and straightforward, with clearly marked controls that are easy to operate even while wearing work gloves. The materials prioritise durability over luxury, with hard wearing plastics and fabrics that can withstand daily commercial abuse. Everything feels solid and built to last, reflecting the vehicle’s working vehicle credentials.
The front seats offer reasonable comfort for long drives, though they lack the refinement of car based alternatives. There’s good adjustment range to help find a comfortable driving position, and visibility is excellent thanks to the high seating position and large windows. Storage space is practical rather than abundant, with door pockets and dashboard cubby holes for essential items. Newer models feature basic air conditioning and a simple radio, but don’t expect the connectivity features found in modern vans. The focus is firmly on creating a robust, functional workspace for commercial operators.
The Nissan Cabstar is an honest commercial vehicle that does exactly what it says on the tin. It offers dependable load carrying capability with running costs that make sense for business use. The robust construction and proven mechanical components mean it can handle the rigours of commercial life year after year. The separate chassis design gives it genuine truck like capability that van based alternatives cannot match. The trade off is a basic interior and firm ride quality that prioritises load carrying over passenger comfort. It’s not the most refined commercial vehicle, but that’s not its purpose. The Cabstar is for businesses that need maximum practicality at minimum cost. If you need a reliable workhorse that won’t break the bank to run, the Cabstar delivers exactly that. It proves that sometimes the best solution is the simplest one, especially in the competitive world of commercial vehicle operation.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Nissan Cabstar?
As a commercial vehicle, the Cabstar’s running costs are its major selling point. The diesel engines deliver real world fuel economy of around 28 to 32 mpg, which is impressive for a vehicle with this load carrying capacity. Servicing costs are reasonable, with parts readily available and many independent specialists familiar with the mechanicals. Insurance costs are typically lower than equivalent vans due to the commercial vehicle classification.
The main consideration is finding the right specification for your needs. Used Cabstars represent excellent value, with depreciation having already taken its toll on earlier models. The robust mechanical components mean high mileage examples can still offer years of reliable service with proper maintenance. When it comes to commercial vehicle finance, the Cabstar’s strong reputation helps secure competitive rates. Overall running costs are among the lowest in the light commercial sector, making it a smart choice for cost conscious businesses.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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nissan cabstar
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Isuzu Grafter
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Mitsubishi Canter
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £18,000 | £20,000 | £22,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.5L TDI 140hp | 3.0L TDI 150hp | 3.0L TDI 150hp |
| Power | 140 bhp | 150 bhp | 150 bhp |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 30 mpg | 28 mpg | 29 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 1,500 kg | 1,600 kg | 1,400 kg |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Proven reliability, Low running costs, Wide dealer network | Higher payload, Longer warranty, Modern cabin | Advanced safety, Efficient engine, Refined drive |
Nissan Cabstar Practicality & Boot Space
The Nissan Cabstar excels in commercial practicality, which is exactly what it was designed for. Payload capacity ranges from 1,300kg to 1,500kg depending on the specification, easily handling most commercial loads. The chassis cab configuration allows for various body styles including dropside, box van, and tipper options. The separate load area keeps cargo completely away from the driver compartment, ideal for messy or dirty loads.
Loading height is sensibly low, making it easy to load heavy items without excessive lifting. The robust construction means it can handle regular loading with forklifts or other mechanical handling equipment. For businesses requiring a reliable goods vehicle, the Cabstar offers genuine commercial vehicle capability that passenger car derived vans simply cannot match. While passenger comfort is basic compared to used Nissan cars like the Qashqai, the Cabstar’s purpose built commercial design makes it the ideal choice for serious load carrying applications.
“Bought our Cabstar five years ago and it’s been absolutely bulletproof. Carries everything we throw at it and never misses a beat. The ride’s a bit firm but you can’t argue with the reliability and running costs.” by Mark Thompson
The Nissan Cabstar stands as a testament to honest commercial vehicle design. It wraps proven mechanical components, genuine load carrying capability, and competitive running costs into a package that makes sense for working businesses. While it may lack the refinement of newer alternatives, it excels in the areas that matter most to commercial operators reliability, practicality, and value for money.
You choose the Cabstar because you need a vehicle that works as hard as you do. Its proven track record in commercial use, combined with low running costs and wide dealer support, makes it a smart business decision. For companies looking for dependable goods carrying capability, the Cabstar offers exactly that without unnecessary complications. In a world of increasingly complex vehicles, the Cabstar’s straightforward approach to commercial transport remains as relevant as ever, especially with commercial vehicle deals offering excellent value in the used market.